Growth Strategy Consultants

Stop guessing your growth path. Map it instead with the Lean Canvas model. Last year a client was losing cash after a bad investment. Their Board wanted a clear plan, but management's ideas were scattered. Pressure rose as their cash runway shrank. I used a blank Lean Canvas and met with management. Box by box, we turned fuzzy thoughts into clear statements. In a few hours, the team could see the whole business on one page. A week later, decisions sped up, waste was cut, and revenue began increasing. The Board praised the new focus because just one sheet had replaced weeks of endless slides. 1. Start with the Problem box because pain fuels purchase: ⇀ List the top three headaches your market hates. ⇀ Ask customers for blunt complaints. ⇀ Rank pains by urgency and frequency.  ⇀ If the pain is weak, the plan is weak. 2. Name the Customer Segments who wake up with that pain: ⇀ Avoid lumping everyone together - be precise. ⇀ Describe one real person, not a demographic blur. ⇀ Note where they already search for help. ⇀ Specific faces drive focused solutions. 3. Your Unique Value Proposition attracts attention: ⇀ Write it like a headline your customer would repeat. ⇀ Highlight the biggest outcome, not features. ⇀ Short, clear value wins the click. ⇀ Keep it under ten words. 4. Now sketch your Solution: ⇀ Draft three bare-bones features solving each top pain. ⇀ Mockup screens or sketches quickly. ⇀ Show them to five prospects tomorrow. ⇀ Speed beats perfection in early design. 5. Channels tell you how messages travel to wallets: ⇀ Pick the two cheapest tests before buying ads. ⇀ Leverage existing communities and email lists. ⇀ Measure response time and cost per lead. ⇀ Cheap learning outruns expensive guessing. 6. Revenue Streams prove the idea can feed itself: ⇀ State exactly who pays, how much, and how often. ⇀ Compare price to the pain’s current cost. ⇀ Pilot a single pricing tier first. ⇀ Real cash beats hypothetical guesses. 7. Analyse Cost Structure for sustainability: ⇀ List the three largest costs and make them variable. ⇀ Negotiate monthly, not annual, contracts. ⇀ Lean costs preserve runway for learning. ⇀ Automate before hiring. 8. Key Metrics keep founders honest on progress: ⇀ Choose one north-star metric and two support numbers. ⇀ Link each metric to habit or revenue. ⇀ Track weekly in one simple dashboard. ⇀ What gets graphed gets fixed faster. 9. Finally, name your Unfair Advantage: ⇀ This is the asset rivals can’t match. ⇀ Lean on unique data, patents, or proven community. ⇀ Document founder expertise that speed cannot buy. ⇀ Without moats, margins leak. 10. Don't forget to summarise your high-level concept and identify early adopters too. Review our lean canvas model weekly to stay on track with your strategy. What's your favourite strategic model? ------- ♻️ Repost to help others in your network. Follow Jonathan Maharaj FCPA for more insights on accounting, finance and leadership.

18 Innovation & Sustainability Methodologies  🌎 In the current business landscape, sustainability and innovation are not just complementary; they're inseparably intertwined. Companies are increasingly required to weave environmental stewardship into their fabric while continually innovating to stay competitive. This necessitates a roadmap for integrating sustainability at every stage of the business cycle. The map in question presents a sequential guide to sustainable innovation, categorizing methodologies according to the business development stages they best serve. Each category demands unique approaches and follows distinct steps, ensuring that sustainability is not a standalone concept but a continuous thread throughout the innovation process. Beginning with 'Strategic Fit', the map underscores the need for foundational strategies that define corporate purpose with sustainability at its core. Here, 'Innovation Strategy' and 'Sustainability Strategy' are pivotal, serving as the bedrock for all future development. This stage sets the stage for what follows, ensuring that sustainability is embedded in the DNA of every subsequent decision and innovation. Moving into 'Problem Fit', methodologies such as 'Circular Design' and 'Systems Thinking' come into play, focusing on understanding and redesigning processes and products to minimize waste and optimize resource use. This stage is where theoretical strategies begin to manifest as practical solutions, targeting specific sustainability challenges within the business ecosystem. As solutions begin to crystallize, the 'Solution Fit' phase utilizes approaches like 'Lean Startup' to iteratively develop products that are both market-ready and sustainable. 'Value Proposition Design' ensures that these solutions are not just viable but also desirable, meeting consumer needs with minimal environmental impact. Transitioning to 'Market Fit', the map highlights 'Service Design' and 'Business Model Innovation' as methodologies that fine-tune the value delivery and operational models to align with market expectations and sustainability ambitions. This ensures that the innovation not only resonates with consumers but also adheres to principles of sustainability. The final stretch, 'Scaling', involves methodologies that support the growth of these sustainable innovations. 'Agile Development' allows for rapid scaling of solutions in response to market feedback, while 'Deep Tech Acceleration' embraces cutting-edge technologies to propel businesses forward in a sustainable manner. This strategic map thus serves as a comprehensive guide for businesses to navigate through the stages of innovation, with sustainability as a guiding principle. Source: Explorer Labs #sustainability #sustainable #sdgs #esg #sustainabledevelopment #climatechange 

Navigating Organizational Restructuring with Confidence 🛠️ My client Michael, a sales director at a manufacturing company, was recently tasked with managing a major organizational restructuring. His team was anxious about the upcoming changes and worried about job security. Michael knew he had to guide them through this transition carefully to maintain morale and performance, and sought coaching for his solutions. How did he start? Michael started by identifying the concerns 🧭 In our sessions, Michael highlighted his team’s key concerns: fear of job loss, uncertainty about new roles, and stress over potential workload changes. Through our sessions Michael developed a strategy to address these worries head-on and make the transition as seamless as possible. He took the following steps: 💬Transparent Communication - Michael understood the importance of being honest and clear. He regularly updated his team on the restructuring process, explaining the reasons behind it and how it would ultimately benefit everyone. Michael encouraged team members to ask questions and shared his own experiences of adapting to change, making the team feel more at ease. 📝 Defining New Roles and Responsibilities - Michael worked with HR to clearly define new roles and responsibilities, so his team understood how they would fit into the restructured organization. Each team member received personalized role descriptions, ensuring they felt valued and confident about their future. ❤ Offering Emotional Support - Recognizing the emotional impact of restructuring, Michael emphasized mental wellness and encouraged his team to voice concerns. He organized one-on-one sessions to listen to each member’s worries, providing reassurance and helping them envision a positive future. What was the result? 🌈 By the end of the restructuring, Michael’s team felt secure and optimistic about their new roles. Productivity increased, and employee satisfaction scores improved significantly, showing the power of clear communication and emotional support in navigating change. How have you handles restructuring in your organization? Please share in comments. Transitioning through a restructuring doesn’t have to be disruptive. Reach out to discover strategies that keep teams engaged, secure, and motivated during times of change. ⭕ https://lnkd.in/dGGM5vCK #sonniasingh #sonniasinghleadershipcoach #productivity #workplace #OrganizationalChange #Restructuring #ChangeManagement #CorporateTraining #ReachOutForGrowth

The startup landscape has shifted. The intoxicating lure of "growth at all costs" has given way to a more nuanced understanding of sustainable business building. We are now facing a sobering reality: sustainable growth is not a sprint; it's a marathon. Having advised numerous startups through their scaling journeys, I've observed that the mythology of overnight success is not just misleading—it's dangerous. What I'm seeing in the trenches is a fascinating dichotomy. Companies fixated solely on financial metrics often find themselves trapped in a cycle of diminishing returns, sacrificing customer trust on the altar of rapid scaling. Sustainable growth isn't just about survival—it's about thriving through market turbulence. While short-term gains are tempting, true success comes from embracing a "marathon mindset" and quietly building empires on strong foundations of granite rather than sand that quickly erodes. The key differentiator? A triumvirate of strategic imperatives: * Deep Customer Understanding: Beyond behavioral data and market research, successful startups build sophisticated feedback loops that transform customer insights into a strategic advantage. * Trust as Currency: Today, trust is your most valuable asset. The most resilient startups view transparency as a strategic imperative rather than a compliance checkbox. * Strategic Adaptability: The ability to pivot isn't just about agility—it's about maintaining strategic coherence while evolving with market dynamics. Remember, the future belongs not to the fastest starters but to the most resilient finishers. Want to learn more about sustainable growth? Let's connect! Read more via Tech Monitor: https://lnkd.in/e8Usm-X6 #startup #technology #business #growth #sustainability

Let’s kill the myth:  Growth isn’t a lucky break. It’s not viral.  It’s not magic. And it’s definitely not just “hustle harder.” The real reason most businesses stall? 👉 They try to scale chaos instead of building clarity. 👉 They chase volume before validating value. 👉 They skip the strategy—and then wonder why nothing sticks. Here’s what sustainable, intentional growth actually looks like: G.R.O.W.T.H. – The Strategy Behind Sustainable Scale G → Get Clear on Value ▸If your team can’t explain your value in 10 words, your customers won’t either. ▸Clarity isn’t optional—it’s the engine of momentum. R → Refine the Model ▸You don’t scale what’s broken. ▸You evolve your business model until it naturally fits the way people buy. O → Optimize for Learnings ▸Growth isn’t about winning every test. ▸It’s about learning faster than your competition. W → Win Small First ▸Don’t chase mass appeal. ▸Nail one use case. One market. One customer pain. Then scale that. T → Test and Tweak ▸Real strategy lives in iteration. ▸The best teams treat every outcome—win or fail—as feedback. H → Hold the Vision ▸Scaling is hard. ▸But the mission doesn’t change. Stay anchored. ▸Your vision is the one thing that should outlast every pivot. You don’t need to chase every trend. You need a repeatable system that turns signals into strategy. What part of G.R.O.W.T.H. hits home for you right now? Let’s start a conversation👇 What are you building toward? ♻️ Share this with your network if it resonates. ☝️ And follow Stuart Andrews for more insights like this.

Decoding Market Entry: How Startups Can Conquer New Markets 🌍 Hi everyone! Ankita here, diving into an exciting yet challenging phase for any startup—entering a new market. Whether it’s expanding to a different city, country, or even industry, breaking into untapped regions requires strategy, research, and execution. Let’s explore how startups can navigate this journey successfully. Why Market Entry Is a Game-Changer Expanding into new markets can unlock tremendous growth, diversify revenue streams, and boost your brand’s visibility. But the key lies in doing it right. Here’s a step-by-step guide for startups looking to make an impact: 🌟 Research, Research, Research Understanding the new market is the foundation of success. Study customer behavior, competitors, and cultural nuances to tailor your approach. Tip: Leverage local insights by partnering with agencies, conducting surveys, or collaborating with local experts. 🌟 Validate Your Product-Market Fit What works in one market might not work in another. Test and adapt your offerings to meet the unique needs of the new audience. Tip: Start with pilot projects to gather feedback before scaling. 🌟 Build Local Partnerships Partnering with local businesses can help you navigate regulatory challenges, gain credibility, and access existing networks. Tip: Look for mission-aligned partners who share your vision and can accelerate your market entry. 🌟 Localise Your Marketing Strategy Your messaging should resonate with the local audience. Consider language, culture, and regional trends when crafting your campaigns. Tip: Use localized content and platforms that your target market engages with the most. 🌟 Understand Legal and Regulatory Landscapes Every region comes with its own set of rules. Compliance is non-negotiable and can save you from costly pitfalls. Tip: Consult with local legal advisors to navigate taxes, permits, and other regulations seamlessly. 🌟 Focus on Building a Local Team A local team understands the market better and can help you connect authentically with customers and stakeholders. Tip: Hire people who embody your startup’s values but bring local expertise to the table. 🌟 Measure and Iterate Success in new markets isn’t guaranteed overnight. Continuously track your progress, learn from mistakes, and refine your strategies. Tip: Use KPIs like customer acquisition cost, churn rate, and revenue growth to assess your performance. 🌟Stepping into the Unknown with Confidence Entering a new market is a bold move, but it’s also an opportunity to redefine your growth trajectory. With the right planning and execution, startups can not just enter but thrive in untapped regions. 💬 What strategies have worked for you when entering new markets? Let’s exchange ideas and help each other conquer new frontiers! #StartupExpansion #DecodingMarketEntry #GoGlobal #StartupStrategy #GrowthHacks

When going global, picking the right market is critical. Yet, 85% of exporters get it wrong. Why? They rely on: ❌ Random overseas orders ❌ Gut feelings ❌ Recommendations from friends ❌ Falling in love with a vacation spot (I kid you not!) These shortsighted decisions will bleed your business dry. So, what should you do instead? ✅ Conduct proper market research: Dive deep into the economic, political, and cultural factors of your target market. Talk to people who’ve been there and learn from their experience. ✅ Assess market potential: How big is the market? Is there demand for your product? Study your competitors and figure out how to stand out. ✅ Identify entry barriers: Research the tariffs, regulations, and other obstacles that could hold you back. ✅ Understand your audience: Don’t assume what worked at home will work abroad. Get a clear picture of your new customer’s needs, pain points, and desires. ✅ Build a strategic plan: Create a time-based plan that maps out your marketing, sales, and distribution strategies, customized for the new market. You’ve worked hard to build your business. Don’t throw it away on a rash decision. Need help choosing the right market? Let’s connect and talk about how to make smarter, more strategic decisions for your global growth. #InternationalBusiness #MarketSelection #Expansion #Strategy #GlobalGrowth #MarketResearch

Rebuilding a High-Performing Team in an RTO World: A Client’s Success Story When my executive client was tasked with bringing his 650-person department back to the office after four years of remote work, we knew the challenge wasn’t just logistical—it was strategic - and his concern wasn’t just about getting people back to their desks but ensuring he had the right people in the right roles to drive business success. Through our collaboration, we decided to develop a two-phase approach that allowed him to manage change effectively while restructuring his team for optimal performance. Phase 1: Managing the Change of RTO (Months 1-3) Rather than rushing into assessments and restructuring, we agreed that it was best to focus on re-acclimation first. 🔹 Gradual Reintegration: He implemented a structured return—starting with three days in-office before scaling up—giving employees time to adjust. 🔹 Listening Sessions: My client led discussions with teams to understand concerns, workflows, and career aspirations post-remote. 🔹 Cultural Reset: He modeled the company values, reinforced the why behind RTO, and reinforced the culture in every meeting. Phase 2: Assessing & Restructuring the Team (Months 3-6) Once stability was established, the next step was restructuring the team for the future. 🔹 Skills & Contribution Audit: Partnering with HR and others, my client assessed whether each role still aligned with business needs. He found that some functions were now redundant, while others required a new skill set after four years. 🔹 Team Effectiveness Review: He restructured teams to improve efficiency and positioned high performers in roles that leveraged their strengths. 🔹 Strategic Reassignment & Exits: Some employees transitioned into new, more fitting roles. Others, who struggled to adapt or no longer aligned with the business, were respectfully transitioned out. Still others were supported in their current roles with new training to equip them to succeed in the future. Messaging the Changes: Transparency & Stability 🔹 Communicating the Vision: Early on, we knew framing the restructuring as an opportunity was important. 🔹 One-on-One Conversations: My client ensured employees moving into new roles—or out of the company—had clear, respectful conversations about their next steps. 🔹 Rebuilding Trust: By reinforcing that changes were intentional and strategic, employees recognized the thoughtfulness that had been invested in the changes. The Outcome? He's rounding out his six month and says his department is performing at a higher level than pre-pandemic. It's not been easy and there have been a few surprises, but he knows his team is set up for long-term success. What my client learned was that returning to the office wasn't the real challenge - rebuilding the right team was. If you’re navigating RTO and need to reassess your team for long-term success, let’s connect.👇

Building an Alts Strategy That Survives Market Cycles “If your alts strategy only works in bull markets, it’s not a strategy. It’s a trend.” As investors, we don’t build portfolios for the last market. We build for the next one—and the one after that. That’s why alternatives must be part of the foundation, not the frosting. In my playbook, they serve structural purposes: yield in a low-rate world, protection when volatility spikes, and uncorrelated return when the usual bets stop working. What survived 2022’s bond carnage? Private credit with tight covenants. What added ballast in 2020’s chaos? Trend-following strategies. What’s quietly compounding as public markets debate the Fed? Real assets. This isn’t market timing. It’s risk discipline. Diversification by why—not just what. We don’t know the next regime shift. But we do know this: portfolios built on lazy 60/40 thinking won’t be ready. Discipline compounds. So does conviction. #bealternative So how do you build an alts strategy that lasts? Here are five practical takeaways grounded in books like Expected Returns, Unconventional Success, and Beyond Diversification: 1. Start with Purpose, Not Product Great portfolios begin with alignment—not allocation. Before choosing a strategy, define the role: income, growth, diversification, or protection. – Ask: “What risk or problem is this solving?” – Avoid chasing style—build with intent. 2. Diversify by Driver, Not Just Label Dont' over-rely on asset labels. Focus on underlying return sources: equity beta, credit spreads, volatility premia, illiquidity, inflation. – A portfolio of 10 things that all bleed in a crisis is not diversified. – Mix return drivers, not just names. 3. Treat Liquidity as a Constraint—And an Edge Lean into illiquidity, but only when matched to cash flow needs. – Use liquidity ladders to meet redemptions. – Lock up what doesn’t need to move. – Illiquidity premium is earned, not guessed. 4. Budget for Risk, Not Just Return Traditional models overemphasize expected return. Recommend budgeting for drawdowns, path dependency, and manager variability. – Don’t just ask “what could I make?” – Ask “how painful could the path be?” – Monitor risk like you monitor return. 5. Rebalance and Re-underwrite, Relentlessly Strategies drift. Managers drift. Portfolios drift. Insist on rebalancing with discipline. – Re-underwrite managers annually. – Re-test assumptions when regimes shift. – Don’t trust yesterday’s structure to hold in tomorrow’s storm. An alternatives strategy isn’t defined by what it owns—it’s defined by how it holds up. As regimes change, portfolios must flex without breaking. What’s your go-to alts strategy when markets shift gears? #bealternative

🌍 Every successful business that I helped with growth scaled significantly by launching into new regions. This is a step-by-step guide (with a bonus at the end): ✅ Market Analysis: - Identify the target market (segmentation, size, growth potential) - it might be different from the market in your “main” region - Competitor analysis (major players, their strategies, SWOT analysis) - Analyse any regulatory, legal, or cultural differences that may affect the business (!this is one of the most important aspects. I have seen startups that, even with a solid expansion plan, failed because they didn’t understand the culture of the new region. Things are done differently, and you have to understand the differences and adapt if you want to thrive) ✅ Entry Routes: - Direct entry (establishing a local presence, subsidiary) - Indirect entry (using intermediaries, i.e., distributors, agents, or resellers) - Partnerships (leveraging existing partnerships and exploring new strategic partnerships in the new region) - Licensing / Franchising ✅ Financial Planning: - Develop revenue and cost projections based on market analysis and the entry route you chose (this is important, work with an expert if you are not confident with numbers) - Identify possible funding sources (investors, loans, grants) ✅ Risk Assessment: - Analyse potential risks (e.g., regulatory, legal, financial, operational) - Develop contingency plans and mitigation strategies if you see any risk ✅ Strategy Design & Execution Plan: - If you launch directly, you are no one and you will go nowhere unless you have a detailed Go-To-Market strategy for the new region that is clear on: messaging, which media channels you will use, how you will create a marketing and sales funnel (including clear strategies to convert). This is important, get help if you are not confident  - Define key performance indicators to monitor progress (review, adjust if off track) 👉 This is a very high-level blueprint just to get you started when you’re thinking about your international expansion. There is much more to be said. Ask me questions in the comments if you want more details 👉 BONUS: When you have to start thinking about costs you will incur, I created a high-level cost planning document to give you a sense of what cost items you will have to consider. Link in comments 👇 #startups #founders #gotomarket